STANDARD, MINIATURE OR TOY SIZED AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS
HAVE DOCUMENTED SENSITIVITY TO CERTAIN DRUGS.
PLEASE PRINT THIS LIST FOR YOURSELF
AND YOUR VET AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION.
SICKNESS OR EVEN DEATH CAN EASILY BE AVOIDED
BY STAYING AWAY FROM THE FOLLOWING DRUGS OR
HAVING YOUR DOG TESTED BEFORE USING THEM!
AUSSIE DRUG TOXICITY - MDR1 GENE
It is well known that certain breeds have reactions to certain drugs. It was previously unknown why some dogs were sensitive and some not. Advances in molecular biology has found the problem to be due to a mutation in the multi-drug resistant gene (MDR1). This gene encodes a protien, P-glycoprotien, that is responsible for pumping many drugs and other toxins out of the brain. Dogs with the mutant gene can not pump some drugs out of the brain as a normal dog would. The result may be illness possibly requiring an extended hospital stay, or even death. You simply need to use alternative drugs recommended by you vet that are safe for these breeds.
Infected breeds that have been positively diagnosed include Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Austrailian Shepherds (all three sizes), Old English Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, Long-Haired Whippets & Silken Windhounds. As the testing becomes more precise, there may be more breeds and drugs added to the list.
Not every dog within a breed has the mutant gene. A test has been developed at Washington State University to screen for the presence of the mutant gene. Click on the link at the bottom of this page to find out how to have your dog tested and to learn more. Below is a list of drugs that have been documented, or are strongly suspected to cause problems in dogs with MDR1 Gene Mutation:
